I love that there are steel toe construction tabi in japan

I ❤ denim made in Japan! ( my Camry was too! ) Best car I ever owned! Same goes to the denim!

I wear a pair of caulks out every 2 years....

*cough* REDWING *cough*

FUNNY.....I ONLY WEAR THESE 4 BRANDS.....

@Jonathan Grandt, Good point! I own over ten pairs of Allen Edmonds boots, they are a good brand but I need arch support and sturdy thick soles. I am looking into buying Nick’s but can’t decide on the model. I love their Hotshots and Builder Pros although I work in an office :)

JK boots make good boots aswell

I've always had redwings, but I was disappointed with caring for my boots only to have the sole wear to paper and not being able to resole the boot in a way that it could still be used in extreme conditions or environments. I take care of my boots, wear them 6 days a week minimum and they get a weekly wash and oil or heavy duty preservative. So I end up with a half dozen pairs of redwings that are insulated gortex 8 inch to 10 inch boots that just sit in the basement because they've fallen appart after a few days back at the job sites. One pair literally fell apart in just 3 and a half days. I wore gym shoes that I had in my car for half of the fourth day because one sole broke away nearly completely. People think I'm crazy paying $570 for a pair of White's or $710 for Westco packers but for one they're just built better. It's like taking a knock off car that looks like a high-end Mercedes and then showing you a real high-end Mercedes. You don't even have to put them on, you can see the thickness, the stitching, the nails in the Soles and so much more. I might work another 15 years at most and I already know that I don't have a need to replace just those 2 pair from now until retirement. Imagine being 16, getting a car and knowing that you won't even need to think about replacing it until your married and have a few kids and even then it would be just to have a new version, not that your is beat up. Good stuff costs money, nomex pants for daily wear can set you back 400 dollars, that's just one pair. This isn't about being flashy, that's the rub for most people, they are used to wasting money on shiny junk so you can see they paid x dollars for that useless mass produced item. It's a hit to their egos that they are wearing 700 dollar boots and your not aware of how much better his shoes are compared to yours. It hits the pocket like "luxury" items but doesn't scream "Ferrari" or "Rolex" of their respected world. I hate to say it but I have some incredibly wealthy friends and family who don't think making 10k a week as abnormal (much more in 1 case) but you'll never gawk at them. They'll show up in a Toyota camery from 3 years ago, ASICS that are scuffed and worn and whatever jeans and t shirt they found that morning. But they're genuine multi millionaires and they are the type of person that will buy a custom boot because of its long term value and longevity. Plus wealth but careful people see the value in something made very well without the need of diamonds on it. There's a reason why toyotas are found in brutal deserts instead of lamborghini suvs lol. Ok I'm Ramblin now. Hope this helps someone

I work for a man who bought his wescos in the mid 80s and still has them

In March, I went and got my White's from a rebuild (4th time) and I had reservations about it. It was the first time since they had been purchased. The last rebuild on them was not quite up to the what it was previously. Not that it was bad but I could see where they didn't put in the extra effort. With this last rebuild, I can say that they did a fantastic job. Everything was replaced except for the two leather uppers, even new hooks and eyelets. They even patched a while near the top of the tongue. I really don't like the idea of a foreign owner of my favorite footwear, but after talking to the employee's and manager I am pretty sure the quality will still be there for a few more years. I can say that they did an awesome job on this last rebuild, and the new ones I purchased.

White's is owned by Lacrosse which is not a Japanese company, it's American. If the company that acquired Whites had been Japanese, the quality would have increased as Japanese manufacturing is a throwback to old school American manufacturing in that it values quality of craftsmanship above all else.

@@amateurstanding ABC-Mart purchased LaCrosse Footwear I think back in 2012 or 2013, which is the Japanese based company. That being said, I agree, Japan would not be associated with low quality, and White's Boots are still made in the USA. Japanese consumers hate cheap Chinese products, so it's a good thing they love buying high quality USA made products. Unfortunately, many Americans choose the cheap Chinese junk over US made top quality for a variety of reasons. Price is a big factor.

Don't forget Frank's boots there going strong, there a solid company in USA...

@@amateurstanding LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. is an American company based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1897 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the footwear company relocated to Oregon in 2001 where its Danner Boots subsidiary was based. In 2012, the formerly publicly traded company was bought by Japanese-based ABC-Mart. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LaCrosse_Footwear

Adam I should add that according to what I’ve read, the stitch components contain a lubricant that acts like a glue and swells the stitch after installation- the stitcher also apparently uses a lock stitch to further anchor the sole- I’m no shoemaker, but I thought that was interesting

Nice find!

That’s awesome, congratulations, I hope you have been enjoying them

Now that you’ve used your Nicks, any thoughts VS your Wesco Jobmaster?

While I agree, I shake my head at guys spending 500-1000$ on special features they won't use

TheRoadhammer379 I can’t argue with that kind of experience! Wesco just seems to get it right.

Why do you need a 14" upper for pushing a clutch pedal? I wore 12" uppers for years while falling timber in the Cascades.

Bought my 10 in high liners in 1999 still own them and occasionally wear them. Anything over 8 is just for show. To each his own. IBEW local 702 lineman. One of the first things I got with my first months pay was my Wesco boots. Rebuilt multiple times in the last 20 plus years. They were highly coveted then and still are now.

schlooonginator Well said. There’s a pretty small gap in price between the perceived high quality boots and the legit heirloom makers like Viberg, Wesco, Nicks.

I like the Burlap too! Be well

Docs are objectively terrible 'boots'. Anyone who highly values them, is someones opinion you can safely disreguard. Buy what you like.

Buy some Nicks. You won’t regret it even with the UK import fees (around £75 to HMRC) they’re worth every penny!

WADDY 351 Thanks. There were about $450 if I recall, and I had to request the LTT. Take Care

jfdb59 I can imagine that masonry shreds everything pretty quickly, and either boot provides a thicker surface area to collect dust and debris, but I think a quick brushing and a handful of obenauf’s every couple of weeks would do a lot. I use an old toothbrush to clean out the ledge under the arch that collects dust. Super heavy stitching also.

And think about how many pairs of those hundred dollar or less boots you went through.

Thanks for your inspiring work! Looking forward to your next videos!

nicks has a few differnet lasts that they make things on. they have a moderate arch last with a significantly lower heel. you just have to look around for it. all the made to order ones will have the option i think

Buldgr Sure, just be aware that it will change the appearance of the leather from that suede look to a darker, more oily look. I recently treated this pair with Obenaufs and am pleased with the result. As you say, it’s either treat it or leave it unprotected from the elements.

@@sbreslin41 Thank you!

Jason Pierce Jason- Yes. They have 3 different lasts for this boot that step down the arch and height. There is a video on this site which illustrates this nicely. Stay well.

Alex Obrien gnarliest boot I ever broke in! Best fire boot I’ve ever wore!

Ditto with my Whites!

But if you have to murder can’t think of a better weapon.!

think of it as the rite of passage

P K I buy a smaller size in Nicks and Wesco, so they run bigger.

D-VO Yes, good shout. I’d like to see more examples on their website to get an idea of their quality, but definitely an option

Frank was the shop foreman for 30 years at Nicks

Lol that’s funny, I head that nicks boots was started by a guy who used to work for whites boots xD

Frank’s Boots was started from the former general manager of Nick’s, Nick’s shop foreman also went to Frank’s, also consider JK Boots in Spokane, another former Nick’s employee and old world quality

Steve Miller JK makes an excellent product!

@Johnny B Yes Sir, I am also looking at their Rangers in all smooth chocolate leather but it makes me wonder if I order Builder Pros in all smooth leather how different would they be other than the lug soles?

Nicks has a heritage line with more office friendly v bar or mini lug sole. I believe you'd specifically want to look at the Robert line as it has a higher arch. They also make and sell shoes with the higher arch.

johnny wong I haven’t felt any difference, and I like the aesthetics of the LTT. Makes my feet appear smaller. I would go with the look you like the best. Stay well Johnny and thanks for the question!

Well Made Things Thanks for the reply. Stay health and 😊

I know Wesco offers Thinsulate. Not sure about Nick’s

tnnsman7 I think you’ll like them a lot. Good luck!

That’s the stock brown smooth

Standard brown. It’s a bit darker from conditioning.

He talks like someone who works indoors

Yes, the 55. Be well.

J J I get what you are saying about sizing, since I’ve struggled with it myself. With the Wescos I’m a 9.5, Nicks 8.5, Viberg 8.5, Vans 10 for comparison. With the Wescos, if you buy a stock boot from BakerBoot you can always return for a different size. Nicks is cool because they send you a try on boot after they get your measurements, so you can see how close they are and make changes. Also Nicks has lower heels available. Take Care, JJ. Stay well

Thanks for the help I will give Nicks a call and see if I can get a sample. That’s actually a great idea they came up with. Thx again take care. Keep making the videos some great stuff 👍🏻

I was a fan but over the years they seems to look cooler but last less. last pair I bought only lasted me 8 months

Ariats are basically fashion boots these days

Exactly right.

Standard Brown lace to toe- model is BR110100 I believe. Not sure of the toe spec, but it’s not steel or hard composite. Be well.

@@sbreslin41 Thanks for the quick response. I'm going to buy a pair. Never owned them or heard of them. I'm done with redwing boots. Garbage man.

@@paulwilliamsd I think you’ll be glad you did. Wait times are a bit extended now, but I think they are worth it. I’m recently ordered a pair of Wesco Axebreakers from Standard & Strange, so patiently waiting!

@@sbreslin41 thanks! I will have to check that website out. However i have a pAir of danner acadia had them for 20 years and still look like new!

Those axe breakers are bad ass man! Beautiful shoe

Ramon- It’s a custom hotshot- Not available on the site, but I’m sure they’d make it for you. 8 inch hotshot, lace to toe, brown rough out, brown edge, vibram 100. Be well!

@@sbreslin41 Ultra rare spec.

Giovany Coronel wesco is 10 inch, nicks is 8

Snib2987 nicks and franks are better than whites. Said while wearing a pair of franks :)

@@lukecalls8279 Yeah. Seems like the general consensus. In your opinion, why do you think Frank's and Nick's is better?

White's still makes a good quality boot. However, their ownership is now in the hands of an international corporation. The result is somewhat less attention to detail and individual service. They're more of a high end production rather than custom boot. White's has the longest history of bootmaking in Spokane, WA. The other, locally owned, bootmakers here grew from that history, reputation, and demand. And they now are carrying the reputation for high build quality, custom, heavy work boots, in some ways, better than White's can.

Carbonado Similar to Whites Smokejumper, higher than Wesco.

Barlo Tardy I hear you. I would say roomy, for sure. Recommend you email Wesco for sizing recommendation. Tell them your sizing in multiple shoes and they’ll sort you.

@@sbreslin41 Thanks!

Toby Reclusado Sure, Toby. 8 inch height. All roughout walnut.

Toby Reclusado and brown sole edge

@@sbreslin41 Lace to toe? or standard Hot Shots?

Toby Reclusado lace to toe

Giovany Coronel To me, they run at least a half size large.

Jobmasters 10, Nicks 9. Both are a little big. I’m really a 8.5 Nicks, 9 Wesco, 10 vans or sneaker.

@@sbreslin41 Hi. Thanks for replying....I've never wore the Nicks but this video makes me want to give them a shot. I've been talking to them this past week....very nice people. Have you been wearing your Nicks the past couple of years? How do you like them?

Gold 1792 I really like them. Super tough boot. Really durable

@@sbreslin41: I'm considering a pair of Wescos. I will order stock, but not sure about sizing. Would you suggest ordering my sneaker/nike size or a size/half size down? Thanks for any advice.

J T My opinion is order at least a half size down from your sneaker size. Maybe a full size. I’m 10 Vans or Nike, 9 Alden Barrie last, could probably go 9 Wesco. 9.5 is roomy.

Wesco's are tougher. I own both.

Bob- There’s no comparison. Ingredients and construction are completely different.

@@sbreslin41 no they aren't lol their actually virtually the same apart from the insole and midsole

Smokey 66 I agree, except coors is better than bud. Coors has a lovely metallic hollow taste.

Bruce W. 🍻🍺👍

It wasn't my intention to come off the way I did and for that I apologize. I'm just saying you don't use the boots hard enough for your review to be useful for me. You absolutely can have a opinion. But you would have to use the boots hard to be able to really know the boots. Again this is not meant to be a insult just a observation.

Curtis Perry that is some broad brush you’re using there. You definition of “hard enough” is going to be different then the next person. My fire boots and work boots are used harder then your boots are guaranteed without a doubt and because I take very good care of my boots they do not appear to be used “hard enough”. If you look closely at them you can see the hard days and the many hours spent in them. Then again I do not judge someone based off what their boots look like, I judge them based off their work. To each their own I guess

I can tell the difference in boots taken care of but used hard and boots that are used for a fashion statement. Anyone that knows anything about boots can for that matter. I'm glad you use your boots hard not sure why I need to know how you use your boots but that's nice. To each their own I guess. Have a nice day and keep using them boots hard.

@@JC-kv1vn If they show hard use they aren't boots used purely for a fashion statement. Fashion statement boots can't show hard use. The two simply don't mix.